VASRD 5253 · Musculoskeletal System – Hip/Thigh
Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) VA Disability Rating
This code rates impairment of the thigh through three specific hip motions — abduction (moving the leg out to the side), adduction (bringing it across the body) and rotation (turning the foot outward). Abduction is the motion that carries the higher evaluation, so it is the one most often left unmeasured.
VA Rating Tiers
How the VA Evaluates Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
Three motions are measured, and they are not interchangeable. Limitation of abduction with motion lost beyond 10° rates 20 percent. Limitation of adduction such that the legs cannot be crossed, or limitation of rotation such that the affected leg cannot toe-out more than 15°, each rate 10 percent. Because abduction is the only motion that reaches 20 percent under this code, an exam that measures rotation and adduction but not abduction can cap a claim at 10 percent by omission.
Approval outlook
Moderate – if motion loss affects gait or posture.
Veterans service-connected
~5,200 veterans
Typical rating awarded
~10%
Vetrify editorial estimates informed by VA published claims data (VBA Annual Benefits Report) and the VA rating schedule — not official VA statistics.
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Best Evidence to Gather
- •Orthopedic exam showing loss of motion
- •Gait assessment from PT or C&P exam
- •Goniometer readings for each motion type
Strategy Tips
- •Record precise measurements of each ROM type
- •Explain impact on posture and walking
- •Submit therapy logs showing failed improvement
C&P Exam Pitfalls
- •Incorrect toe-out measurement
- •ROM testing performed while seated
- •Failure to note impact on gait or function
Common Filing Mistakes
- •Claiming pain without functional ROM evidence
- •Failing to note daily limitations like stair climbing
Onset Patterns
- •May result from hip dislocation, trauma, or arthritis
- •Can begin with tightness and worsen into immobility
Secondary Conditions
Conditions commonly linked to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation). Service-connecting a secondary condition can increase your combined rating.
Common questions about Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)
- Is Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) a VA-rated disability?
- Yes. The VA rates Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) under VASRD diagnostic code 5253 (Musculoskeletal System – Hip/Thigh). This code rates impairment of the thigh through three specific hip motions — abduction (moving the leg out to the side), adduction (bringing it across the body) and rotation (turning th…
- What VA disability rating can I get for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Possible VA ratings for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) are 20%, 10%. Examples: 20%: The leg cannot be moved out to the side past about 10 degrees.; 10%: The leg cannot cross over the other one, or the foot cannot be turned outward more than about 15 degrees..
- What's the typical VA rating awarded for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Vetrify estimates the typical rating awarded for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) at around 10%, based on VA claims data and the rating schedule. An estimated 5,200 veterans are service-connected for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation). Estimated approval outlook: Moderate – if motion loss affects…
- What evidence helps prove Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) for VA disability?
- Strong evidence for a Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) claim includes: Orthopedic exam showing loss of motion; Gait assessment from PT or C&P exam; Goniometer readings for each motion type.
- What mistakes should veterans avoid when claiming Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Common pitfalls when filing for Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation): Claiming pain without functional ROM evidence; Failing to note daily limitations like stair climbing.
- What conditions are commonly secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation)?
- Conditions often service-connected as secondary to Impairment of the Thigh (Adduction/Rotation) include: Balance Issues, Groin Strain. Filing for secondary conditions can increase a veteran's combined VA rating.
Official sources
- 38 CFR § 4.71a — Schedule of ratings — musculoskeletal system (Diagnostic Code 5253)
Rating criteria on this page are an educational summary of the cited regulation — the eCFR text is authoritative. See how Vetrify derives its numbers.
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